Charlotte was absolutely wonderful! Context Travel Tours had been recommended to be as "The Best of the Best" when it comes to private tours. This tour certainly did not disappoint. We met our guide, Charlotte, at the allotted time at the appropriate location and we were off on our whirlwind tour of Montreal. She had deep knowledge of the sites and the history and was a wealth of information. Bring your walking shoes and shift into high gear. We covered a lot of ground in three hours.
Sites & Insights: Montreal City Tour
Trace Montreal from mission settlement to modern city life
The Finer Details
How did Montreal go from a fur-trapping town to the cosmopolitan heart of Quebec? This three-hour Old Montreal tour visits key sites, including Place d'Armes, and is designed to provide an in-depth introduction to the city's history. Led by a local historian, architect, or other local expert, we'll peel back the layers of the city from its French and English colonial roots to today's cultural capital.
Old Montreal Walking Tour
Our walk will begin at the very spot where Montreal was founded, Place d’Youville, where we’ll explore the reasons why the St. Lawrence Iroquoians, fur traders, and Sulpician priests chose to make their home here, as well as how urban planning affected the city’s growth. Our walk will also introduce us to the nature of the ecclesiastical presence in the city and the competing power structures of Jesuits and Récollets. We may then stop by the house of Simon McTavish, chief founding partner of the North West Company. Here we will discuss the importance of the fur trade, the fierce competition between the North West Company and the Hudson Bay Company, the coureurs de bois, and trade patterns under British rule.
Wealth and Architectural Splendor
We'll then move on to Rue Saint-Jacques, called the "Wall Street of Canada" in the early 20th century, where we'll look at the rise of Canadian financial institutions, illustrated by such buildings as the grandiose former banking hall of the Royal Bank of Canada. The street also includes the Montreal World Trade Centre, a restoration project from 1992 that won prizes for integrating old façades with new buildings, synthesizing something distinct from the two.
Place d'Armes
We'll then make our way to Place d'Armes, arguably the most important site in Old Montreal. It includes Notre-Dame Basilica, the Sulpician seminary, the headquarters of the Bank of Montreal, and a collection of amazing architecture from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Our path will lead us to Champ de Mars, where we can see the remnants of Montreal's old fortifications and the changing nature of conflict in the colony, from battles with the St. Lawrence Iroquoians to wars with the British and Americans.
Along our way, we’ll also discuss later disputes such as the rebellions of 1837-38, linguistic divisions, and the conflict between urban and rural business interests, or how the railway eventually unified the two former provinces of Upper and Lower Canada. This will take us into a conversation about Montreal in the 20th century, as Toronto has grown to become the largest city in Canada.
Take Aways
At the conclusion of this walk, we will have a comprehensive understanding of Montreal’s colonial history, from the fur trade to the urban and industrial forces that have shaped the city into the cultural epicenter it is today.
FAQ
Is this tour walking-intensive? This is a moderate walk, and, depending on the expert, more geography can be covered.
Is this tour suitable for kids? Yes, we have family-friendly guides, and the content can be adapted to an age-appropriate level.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Place d’Youville
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Place d'Armes
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Notre-Dame Basilica
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Montreal World Trade Centre
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Excellent tour! Charlotte was expert at sharing her deep knowledge of local history in an engaging and accessible manner.
Our tour began in the pouring rain, and we were concerned that it might be a complete washout. Our guide, Christian, did a great job of finding us protected places in which two view sites and learn history. His pacing was excellent and he did a terrific job of introducing us to the numerous and varied neighborhoods of Montreal. Five stars.
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
Structured, never scripted
Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.
Crafted for conversation
With 12 or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.
Experts, not guides
Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.
